The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has divided the Senate, with 13 lawmakers refusing to sign the report, citing a rushed process and disregard for due process. She was suspended for protesting a seat reassignment, sparking debates on fairness, legislative integrity, and the role of Senate leadership in decision-making.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked divisions in the Senate, with 13 senators refusing to endorse the official report. The controversy stems from concerns over the rushed nature of the investigation led by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun.
Many lawmakers, including ranking senators, were absent due to a tax reform retreat when the hearing was abruptly rescheduled. A senior senator, speaking anonymously, questioned the urgency of the process, emphasizing that due process was ignored, especially given an existing court injunction halting the investigation. "We are lawmakers, and we must follow due process," the senator stated, explaining why some senators chose not to participate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after protesting the reassignment of her Senate seat by President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate accused her of bringing the chamber into disrepute. As part of her suspension, she is barred from legislative activities, her office remains locked, and her allowances and security details have been revoked. While the initial report recommended stopping salaries for her aides, a motion led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ensured they continued receiving payments.
Despite attempts by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro to reduce the suspension to three months, the request was denied. The Senate, however, has offered to reconsider her suspension if she submits a written apology.
The fallout from this decision continues to generate debate, with political observers questioning the fairness of the process and the wider implications for Nigeria’s legislative integrity.
